4 Essential Skincare Tips for Maintaining Youthful Skin

Have you ever met someone and been astonished by their age? It seems impossible they look so good for being up there in years. Naturally, you want to know their secret — how have they managed to age so gracefully to appear so young?

The answer is probably the result of years of dedication to skincare and health. And while this feat can’t be accomplished overnight, it’s important to know the factors that can keep you looking young. Here are some of the most popular to add to your routine for a youthful glow that lasts.

1. Make Anti-Aging Convenient

Your ambitious side may want to have a skincare routine that features a solution for every possible need your skin has. But if it’s 20 minutes long and requires you to purchase (and repurchase) 15 products, will you ever do it? Setting out with the best intentions is great, but it’s a slippery slope to creating a skincare routine you’ll never do. And that’s not a routine at all. Instead, focus on incorporating anti-aging best practices into your daily life.

What that looks like is entirely up to you. It can be keeping a sunhat in your car to throw on for unexpected outdoor activities. Or maybe you test out anti-aging products containing retinol to see what effect they have on your skin. Perhaps you get anti-aging treatment online to save yourself time without sacrificing your access to quality products.

The point is to have an anti-aging routine that you can stick to. It fits in your life, is easy to remember, and doesn’t require half of your nightly free time to do it. At the end of the day, being diligent with aging prevention will be the long-term youthful skin solution you’re seeking.

2. Don’t Forget Sunscreen

Having a sunkissed glow is great in theory. However, it should be a habit you no longer indulge in if you’re really looking to maintain a youthful appearance. The sun is great for many things, but aging isn’t one of them. In fact, sun damage accumulates over your life and is responsible for as much as 90% of premature aging.

As such, sunscreen is a vital component of any skincare routine. It’s especially crucial for those seeking anti-aging results and a youthful appearance. You’ll specifically want to look for sunscreen with SPF 30 or above. This helps with creating a protective layer against harmful UV rays.

Remember that sunscreen isn’t a one-and-done product either. Reapplication is where many people fail, and your skin won’t be happy if you forget subsequent applications. Most sunscreens recommend reapplying every two hours but double-check the instructions on yours to get the maximum benefit. Then, commit to keeping sun protection a top priority every day. You’ll reap the benefits of smoother, younger-looking skin and be grateful you put in the effort.

3. Put Your Cleanser to Good Use

When you lie your head down on your pillow, do you have complete confidence your skin is clean? If you’re not fully cleansing your skin, it may not be. And that creates the perfect breeding ground for bacteria and breakouts.

Washing your face with a gentle cleanser lets you take away the dirt of the day. Your morning skincare, makeup, and any oil or dirt you encountered during the day literally goes down the drain. So, skipping this step or failing to cleanse well allows all of that grime to soak into your skin. That can result in acne, clogged pores, and an abundance of dead skin cells hanging around longer than they should.

Avoid this by committing to your cleansing routine. First, take off any makeup you have on with a makeup remover — this could be a reusable towel or micellar water. Then, grab a gentle cleanser and follow the instructions. Finally, rinse it off and dry your face with a clean towel. Then you’re ready to start applying any other skincare with peace of mind that you’re working with a clean face.

4. Focus on Hydration

In some ways, your skin is similar to a desert. When moisture is limited, there are more noticeable cracks and imperfections across the terrain. When your skin is deprived of hydration, fine lines and wrinkles can take center stage.

Keeping your skin properly hydrated can help avoid this reality. Find a moisturizer that aligns with your skin type and needs. Those with dry skin will likely benefit from a thicker, more intense moisturizer. Oily-skinned folks may prefer something with a gel consistency to not encourage more oil production but still hydrate. If you have combination skin that’s oily and dry, using certain products on different parts of your face may be your best bet.

Regardless of your skin type, it’s crucial to keep it properly moisturized. But that isn’t just topical. From dullness and less elasticity to cracks and more prominent fine lines, general dehydration can also show up on your face. Drinking enough water is important for looking young. So, commit to hydrating your body and your skin, and you’ll be taking strides toward a more glowy, youthful appearance.

Maintain Your Youthful Glow

While there’s nothing wrong with aging — it’s only natural — there’s nothing wrong with wanting to age well either. Following a routine that targets the most visible signs of aging and sticking to it is the best way to go. One day, you’ll be excited to share your insights when someone asks you what your secret to looking youthful is.